국민기초생활보장수급자 노인의 건강 특성이 우울에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of depression andthe associated factors affecting the depression among the elderly beneficiaries of the nationalbasic livelihood scheme. Methods: From the beneficiaries of the “visiting health careprogram” in a city the beneficiaries (aged 65 years or older) of the national basic livelihoodscheme were selected. A total of 677 subjects were included in the study and hence for dataanalyses. Results: The observed prevalence rate of depression was 80.5% (mild depressionwas 60.2%, and severe depression was 20.3%). The factors influencing depression wereindicative of subjective health status, walking exercise, hypertension, and diabetes. Conclusion: On the basis of our study results, as a strategy to reduce the prevalence rateof depression among the elderly concerned, we are of the opinion that it is very muchnecessary to motivate them to practice continuous and regular walking exercises in easilyaccessible places by mobilizing community resources such as visiting nurses and volunteers. Such efforts may not only immediately reduce the morbidity rate of depression among thelow-income elderly, but also, in the long run, prevent suicides and contribute to improvingtheir mental health status to an appreciable extent.